Bicyclist injured in accident released from Lee Memorial Hospital

October 31, 2017

A bicyclist struck last week by a vehicle in Cape Coral has been released from the hospital.

As of Tuesday, Faith Ann Zappa, 45, of 1412 S.E. 11 Terrace, had been released from Lee Memorial Hospital, where she was taken after the crash at Cultural Park Boulevard and Southeast 11th Street.

Police reported that a Kia Forte, driven by Elton Pichardo, 27, of 161-44 Grand Central Parkway, Jamaica, New York, was traveling north on Cultural at about 9 a.m., Oct. 23.

At the intersection of Southeast 11th Street, the bicyclist crossed in front of the Kia and the front of the vehicle stuck the bicycle.

The bicyclist, Zappa, struck the hood and windshield of the Kia, then was ejected off onto the road. Zappa came to rest in the outside lane of Cultural, while the vehicle came to a stop in the inside lane.

Based on witness observations and evidence, it was apparent that Zappa was crossing Cultural in the intersection from the west to the east. According to police, eastbound and westbound traffic at the intersection has a stop sign; northbound and southbound traffic does not have a traffic control device.

Zappa sustained suffered serious bodily injuries and was trauma-alerted to the hospital by ambulance. At the hospital, it was determined that Zappa's injuries were serious but no longer life-threatening.

Pichardo was not injured in the accident.

His passenger complained of minor pain but refused medical attention.

Police reported that Zappa was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The crash is not alcohol or drug related.

No criminal charges are expected, according to police.

The northbound lanes of Cultural were closed to traffic for approximately three hours.